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The first ruin that I came across was Prasat Kravan, after passing the 10km mark. It was built by King Harshavaraman I in the early 10th century.
It features unique brick bas-reliefs & unusual layout of 5 brick towers in one row. This temple was dedicated to Vishnu. The appearance is simple, but you can enjoy interior fine brick bas-reliefs.
Kravan is a name of flower with good aroma. (Insert sniffing sound here).
Note: I came back the next day to take a closer look.
Updated Dec 20, 2006
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I arrived at this ruin at the 11km mark. It is built by the founder of Ta Phrom, hence the similarity between the two.
I came back on the next day to expore. My favourite place is the Hall of Dancers that features dancing apsaras on the columns.
Updated Dec 22, 2006
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I missed this monument during the AWIHM. I supposed I was too "distracted" by Banteay Kdei, located just opposite Srah Srang. Anyway, Srah Srang devoids any tall monuments, so it is more difficult to spot from the roadside.
It is an artificial lake built for ceremonies and Royal baths. I wish I could have a quick dip here. :)
Written Dec 20, 2006
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Passed Ta Keo at 14km mark. It features the five massive towers on top of the imposing temple mountain construction.
I revisited this temple on the next day. Climb up was fun even though my legs were shaking due to too much work out the previous day.
Try to spot Angkor Wat from the top of the structure. It is quite difficult as you can only see the tip. But I managed. Heheh! (Click on "4 more photos" for detail)
Updated Dec 22, 2006
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After passing the huge mountain-like Ta Keo, I arrived at a much smaller temple Thommanon after crossing the Siem Reap river.
This temple is well-preserved and in an attractive setting with many fine relief carvings. Right across the road from this temple is Chao Say Tevoda which is undergoing restoration work.
Updated Dec 22, 2006
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No point for guessing what animal is featured on the wall of this terrace.
It is said that the 350m terrace was used by Angkor's king Jayavarman VII as a platform from which to view his victorious returning army. Wow..I could imagine the celebration, complete with the jumbo parade, apsara dancers and confetti...Heheh!
Updated Dec 22, 2006
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The championchip check point was set up near Bayon. The runners got a very good look at this magnificent temple as we make a half loop around it.
From afar it really look like a pile of rubbles. Upon a closer look, I was amazed by the multitude of smiling face towers which rise up to its central peak.
According to Ancient Angkor book, the number of face towers is said 40 or 54, but now only 37 are standing. Most are carved with four faces on each cardinal point but sometimes there are only three or even just two.
It is one of my favourite temples and definitely worth a visit.
Updated Dec 22, 2006
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I didn't see this ruin from the AWIHM route even though it was featured in the official guide book. It was hidden inside the surrounding wall of the royal palace. I explored this place on my own on the next day.
It is pyramid-style building of which construction is three-layered laterite platform, and small sanctuaries are placed thereon.
The climb up was thrilling. The steps are narrow and steep.
Legend has it that once upon a time, the king had to make lurve EVERY night with the woman incarnation of a 9-headed Naga (Serpent/ Dragon) who had power over the kingdom here. Wow!!
Written Dec 22, 2006
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If you don't have time to do the grand tour and thus don't see the wonderful temple Preah Khan, you should pay a visit to Banteay Kdei. It's slightly similar to Preah Khan, albeit by far not as large and wonderful. Built by Jayavarman VII in the late 12th century, Banteay Kdei now looks like a small-scale model of Preah Khan: the same structure of yards to several directions. It's interesting to leave the main way through and explore the sideways as you'll find less tourists and better photo opportunities there.
Written Oct 22, 2008
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East Mebon and Pre Rup are pretty much similar, the latter maybe a little bit more interesting. Built in the early years of the Angkorian civilization (952 / 962 AD), these temples mark the passing of pre-Angkorian temples to Angkorian temples. They were still hinduist temples.
East Mebon features some surprisingly well preserved elephant statues, while Pre Rup has the better preserved structures - and is more quiet in terms of children who want to sell something. Both temples are part of the grand tour, but otherwise reachable by bike from Ta Prohm (ca. 2km).
Written Oct 22, 2008
Travel tips and advice posted by real travelers and Angkor Wat locals.
East Mebon and Pre Rup are pretty much similar, the latter maybe a little bit more interesting. Built in the early years of the Angkorian civilization (952 /...
Q: What is the easiest route from Siem reap to Bangkok? Ive read about the Siem Reap(taxi)-Poipet(bus)-Aranyaprathet(train)-Bangkok...
A: Hi. For your info. Your info was correct but I have heard that there are microbus from bangkok to Poipet for casino "gaming people" not sure that It will serve tourist...
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One of the most beautiful and mysterious historical sites in the world. Located over 192 miles to the North-West of Cambodia's capital Phnom Penh. .
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Contrary to belief, the wonders of Angkor were never completely lost. It was the publication of Henri Mouhot's (1826-1861) Voyage a Siam et dans le Cambodge that led to his reputation as the...
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Having had the exquisite luck to be able to compare two visits here, I still hold that Angkor is the most impressive thing I have seen. It certainly is a different "type" of impressive from, say, the...
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I don't know why I was drawn to Angkor in the 1st place. Angkor always has the unexplained aura and mystique that beckons me. Cambodia is the 1st South East Asia country I ever venture out to (well......
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Facing to the west and stairway to heaven
Bagaimana caraku mengenangmu Melintasi kelima pilar meru Yang memaknai langit biru Di Phumi Siem Reab Sekaligus aksentuasi magis pada garis cakrawala [how can I remember you throughout the five...
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